Educators Gather to Tackle Early Childhood Challenges

In South Carolina, a group known as The Beloved Early Education and Care Collective, or The BEE, recently brought together early childhood educators to discuss the challenges they face. One of the main topics was the impact of pay, policies, and resources on behavioral issues in classrooms. Kiana Stacey, an educator with over a decade of experience, emphasized the crucial role of teachers in solving these issues. She believes that supporting teachers and making them happier can lead to a more successful learning environment. Stacey's perspective is that addressing problems at the early childhood level can prevent larger issues in middle and high school.The meeting served as a safe space where educators could share their experiences and find solutions together. Kim Archung, co-founder of The BEE, highlighted the importance of creating such spaces for teachers, caretakers, and families. She mentioned that South Carolina has the highest rate of preschool suspensions in the nation, indicating a critical need for better support systems. Archung believes that with the right resources and information, educators can handle challenging behaviors more effectively. The next step for The BEE is to expand these conversations and continue to focus on empowering teachers.